Bases are generally older athletes that display strength and balance. Tops are generally younger athletes and display flexibility and agility. Middles are called on to act mainly as a base but also display some top attributes.

Levels
Athletes can begin acrobatics at a very young age in the developmental levels. There they progress from Level 1 through Level 10 before joining the world's best at the Elite Level.

Athletes on Pre-Team learn the basics of acrobatics and routine structure in pre-competition levels. Athletes in Levels 5 through Elite are invited to compete at local, state, regional and national competitions if they receive qualifying scores at each stage of competition.

Age eligible athletes at Levels 8-Elite who do well at U.S. Team Trials and the National Championships are selected to represent the United States at international meets. Elite athletes may also be selected to represent their country at the World Championships and someday, the Olympics.

Routines
Routines are choreographed to music and consist of dance, tumbling and partner skills. They are performed on the same floor used in artistic gymnastics, the 12m x 12m (40' x 40') spring floor.

At the Elite level, each pair group performs three routines, a balance, a tempo and a combined routine. All routines are a maximum of 2 minutes and 30 seconds in length.

1. Balance - This exercise focuses on strength, flexibility and dance. It is filled with pyramids and partner holds while also featuring individual and dance elements.

2. Dynamic - This exercise focuses on dynamic elements with flight. Throws, pitches, recatches and dismounts are performed. Tumbling elements are also performed in in this routine.

3. Combined - Showcasing the athletes' versatility, this exercise combines the best elements from both the balance and dynamic routines.